Sheriff: Inmate continued drug ring through jail employee

– 20 people are in custody after Hunt County authorities executed multiple arrest warrants during raids Wednesday morning.

The suspects are believed to have been involved in a drug ring that was apparently being run through the Hunt County Jail.

Sheriff Randy Meeks tells KETR the investigation dates back to May 2010 prior to the arrest of Bobby Evens, who was charged with delivery of a controlled substance, violation of parole, and child endangerment.

"But then became aware [while he was in jail] that he was still operating his drug ring through his estranged wife who was an employee of the jail."

The woman was released by the department four months ago for other policy violations, according to Meeks. She was among the 20 arrested Wednesday. Six arrests were made in Rains County, with the remaining suspects detained in various locations throughout Hunt County.

"Federal warrants were issued and the correct charge is conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base," Meeks said.

The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are possible. The Hunt County Sheriff's Office was assisted in the Wednesday morning raids by the Greenville Police Department, Commerce, McKinney, Sulphur Springs and Rockwall Police, the Rains and Hopkins County Sheriff's Office, DPS, ATF and the U.S. Marshals Service. Approximately 100 officers were involved.